Cristina Sabadell (Barcelona, 1967) walks a different path. The one that takes an industry, traditionally intensive with the planet, towards sustainability, ecology and responsibility towards the environment. And she does so by wearing Vegtus, a Barcelona-based fashion and sneaker brand made from cactus leather.

With a degree in Organisational Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marketing Management from ESADE, Cristina Sabadell has extensive experience as a manager in multinational companies and more than 15 years in the fashion and footwear sector. It is from 2020 that she embarks on this new journey.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

CS: To break the patterns of fashion as we know it, aspiring not only to set new standards of style, but also to inspire a conscious revolution.

TB: Where do you see your project at the moment and where do you see it in two years’ time?

CS: After 3 years, we are in full expansion of the company and we continue to build a solid team that is up to the project [in 2023, the brand received a participative loan of 400,000 euros from Avançsa to grow in Europe and America]. Our goal is to be a benchmark in sustainable fashion.

TB: A good idea you have had.

CS: The name of our brand, which derives from the words VEGan and CacTUS. My goal was to create a name that was short, memorable, easy to pronounce in any language and coherent with the project.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

CS: To find the right sustainable material for our project. A material that was original, innovative and that would allow the development of our collections. Cactus leather became a real discovery, the philosopher’s stone that allows us today to produce trainers with just one litre of water, compared to the 8,000 litres required for those of animal origin. From here we built the name of the brand and its characteristic symbol, the cactus.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

CS: Always be yourself. The beauty of our project lies in its authenticity, in building a brand with soul, in which people can see their desires reflected and become part of the community.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

CS: I admire the profile of the entrepreneur. For their vision, resilience, energy and leadership.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

CS: Undoubtedly, Artificial Intelligence, although we are far from knowing its scope.

TB: On-site or remote?

CS: I am in favour of a hybrid format, with a higher percentage of face-to-face meetings. In a fashion start-up like ours, things happen every day that require immediate and creative group decisions. Efficiency is multiplied in a group.

TB: A startup or company.

CS: Sateliot.

TB: What do you do to unwind?

CS: Practising yoga, reading, cooking, walking in nature and being with my people completely disconnects me.

TB: A book to recommend.

CS: “Who moved my cheese?”, by Spencer Johnson. It tells how to adapt to a constantly changing world.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

CS: “Don’t Stop Me Now”, by Queen.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

CS: Paella de Galeres at Restaurant Miquel, in Cambrils, Tarragona.

TB: A place in the world.

CS: Barcelona. It has the 4 C’s: climate, culture, cuisine and quality of life.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

CS: At Vegtus.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

CS: I am a psychologist, although I don’t think I have ever stopped practising.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

CS: A brilliant idea to connect Barcelona’s business fabric.